Jamaica Library Service

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Description

The Service has responsibility for one hundred and twenty-four (124) public libraries and nine hundred and twenty-six (926) school libraries throughout the island. It is the only organization which provides free, unlimited public access to recorded information. It also operates four hundred and eleven (411) mobile library stops as well as offers access points for twenty-two (22) special categories of persons.

The Network provides a platform to engender community development through a range of specifically organized public education and current awareness programmes. The programmes include:

National Reading Competition

The competition is organized annually on an all island basis over a period of five months- April to August. The first stage is held at individual service points/libraries. Winners of each service point then compete at the parish levels. At the final stage the parish winners are selected for each of the five age groups (6-8, 9-11, 12-14, 15-20, and 21 years & over) to vie for the National position. This leg of the competition takes place in mid-July. Click to see:Overview | Past National Champions

Exhibitions

Local, National and International events are marked by exhibitions at the Parish Libraries, at Branch Libraries or at other venues as requested.

Summer Programme

During the summer holidays the Parish Libraries and their service points are focal areas for children as there are special programmes for them. The programmes are opened to Junior Members. Activities are both educational and recreational and include tours, talks, games, craft and competitions. At the end of the programme there is a display of work done by the children.

Story Hour

Regular Story Hour sessions are held at Parish Libraries and Branch Libraries. Children are introduced to books and told stories. Some sessions are also activity based, and sometimes include games and art and craft.

Class Visits

Teachers are encouraged to bring their students to the library to be introduced to the services offered. Students are also shown how best to extract information from the various sources available at the library.

Library Talk

Librarians give talks to schools and community groups on the services offered by the Library and on Librarianship as a career.

Lectures and Panel Discussions

Lectures and panel discussions on topical issues are arranged periodically. The Library also hosts activities by other agencies.